The Worm Moon will be visible in UK skies on March 3, 2026
A rare total lunar eclipse coincides with this full moon for some parts of the world
The moon will appear full overnight on both March 2-3 and March 3-4
The UK will miss out on seeing the eclipse as the Moon will be below the horizon
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The first full moon of meteorological spring, known as the Worm Moon, will rise in UK skies on March 3, 2026, at 11:38 GMT, coinciding with a rare total lunar eclipse visible to lucky sky watchers in parts of the Americas, Asia, and Australia. Across the United Kingdom, the Worm Moon will appear full overnight on both March 2-3 and March 3-4, with moonrise occurring at different times across major cities including 17:42 in London, 17:44 in Edinburgh, 17:48 in Cardiff, and 17:50 in Belfast. For optimal viewing, sky watchers are advised to look to the east in the early evening when the moon tends to appear most impressive near the horizon. The lunar eclipse, which transforms the moon into what is known as a Blood Moon, occurs when Earth moves directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow that gives the moon a distinctive rusty red color. Unfortunately, UK observers will miss this spectacular phenomenon as the Moon will be below the horizon during the eclipse. The March full Moon is traditionally called the Worm Moon due to ancient naming conventions that tracked seasonal changes, referencing the emergence of earthworms from warming spring soil. Weather conditions for viewing vary across the UK, with clearer skies expected over East Anglia and south-east England on Monday night, while cloudier conditions are forecast for southeastern parts on Tuesday overnight.
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First full Moon of spring set to rise in UK skies this week Published 3 hours ago The first full moon of meteorological spring, also known as the Worm Moon, is set to rise in UK skies on 3 March. Marking the third full Moon of 2026, this display will be a double spectacle for lucky sky watchers in parts of the Americas, Asia, and Australia as it coincides with a rare total lunar eclipse. How to see the Worm Moon Across the UK, the Worm Moon is at its fullest on Tuesday 3 March at 11:38 GMT during the day. However it will appear full overnight on both Monday and Tuesday. It tends to look its most impressive when closest to the horizon at moonrise which occurs at different times across the UK, including: 17:42 in London 17:44 in Edinburgh 17:48 in Cardiff 17:50 in Belfast Look to the east in the early evening sky. For some parts of the world, the full Moon will be visible as it undergoes a total lunar eclipse, becoming what is known as a Blood Moon. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow onto the Moon's surface. During this, the Moon can turn a rusty red colour, which is where it gets it nickname, the Blood Moon. Those most likely to see the phenomenon include observers in parts of North America, South America, East Asia, and Australia. The UK, however, will sadly miss out as the Moon will be below the horizon whilst the shadow is being cast. Why is the March full Moon called a Worm Moon? Full Moons have names that date back to ancient traditions before modern calendars were used. They were helpful ways to mark the changing seasons and the names tended to relate to significant timely events. The March full Moon is known as the Worm Moon as it refers to when earthworms begin to emerge from the soil as the weather warms in springtime. What's the forecast for the full Moon? On Monday night the clearer skies are likely across East Anglia and south-east England ahead of a band of cloud moving in from the west. The cloud ...
